I just had a baby. When can I start using tampons again?

Not for at least six weeks after giving birth. Even if you've never used sanitary pads in your life, you'll get very familiar with them in the first few weeks after childbirth as your body expels the lochia — a discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue — from your uterus.

As long as the flow of lochia continues, you have an open internal wound at the site where the placenta was attached to the uterine wall. And like any wound, this one is vulnerable to infection. It's important to avoid tampons until you've completely healed inside because they could introduce bacteria. After your six-week appointment with your health provider, assuming the lochia has stopped and your provider approves, you can use tampons for your next normal menstrual period. Of course, if you're breastfeeding, you probably won't get your period for many months to come.

Whether you're nursing or not, if you're wondering when you're likely to get your first post-baby menstrual period, click here.

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